Natthawut Arin
Chiang Mai University, Thailand
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Psychol Psychother
The structure and objectivity to detecting feigned psychopathology being extremely require of forensic setting in Thailand. The Thai version of malingering test (Th-MT) was developed as the first test to reduce the obstacle to language and suitable to Thai context. This initial test was developed based on two broad detection strategies; unlikely and amplified detection strategy (Rogers, 2008). Moreover, the effective sub-detection strategies of the most popular malingering tests including; SIRS, SIMS and M-FAST (Rogers, Bagby, & Dickens, 1992; Smith & Burger, 1997; Miller, 2001) were combined. The 518 samples were collected from nonclinical (undergraduate students, n=421) and clinical samples (psychiatric patients, n=97). The result revealed: 1) In study one, the two detection strategies model supported by confirmatory factor analysis was used to analyze; unlikely detection strategy (two subdetection strategies; Rare Symptoms and Symptom Combinations were loaded), while the three sub-detection strategies of amplified detection strategy were not totally supported (Extreme Psychopathology, Over Negative Self-Image and Suggestibility & Over-report). The combination of Over Negative Self-Image and Suggestibility & Over-report to new strategy called Over-report was reached to goodness-of-fit indices. Furthermore, this Th-MT possesses good internal consistency. 2) Using a simulation designed in study two, one group of simulators asked to feign psychopathology to avoid criminal prosecution of homicide charge (Simulator students, n= 45) were compared with two control groups asked to reply to questions honestly (Honest students, n= 45 and Honest psychiatric patients, n= 45). The results indicate that the mean scores of the Th-MT for simulator students were significantly higher than those of both honest students and honest psychiatric patients. Conclusions, the Th-MT has good psychometric properties of a detecting feigned psychopathology tool and to reliable screen for malingered psychopathology.
Natthawut Arin completed his BS (Psychology: Clinical track), MA (Criminology & Criminal Justice) and PhD (Applied Behavioral Science Research) from University in Thailand. I used to be a clinical psychologist and work as forensic psychologist at Galya Rajanagarindra Institute (Government hospital for forensic psychiatric services), Mental Health Department, Ministry of Public Health for 15 years ago. I have more inspiration to conduct and continue doing the research in forensic psychology issue (e.g. risk assessment, criminal resposibility, malingering). Now, I am a lecture at Psychology Department of Chiang Mai University. And also teach in forensic psychology and criminal psychology subjects.
